Harrison remc
YOUR INDIANA COOPERATIVE COMPANION
F EBRUA RY 2018
Olympic
s m a e r D
Deadlines approaching Apply now for youth programs
from the editor
The urge to purge
VOLUME 67 • NUMBER 8 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by:
It’s amazing what you can accumulate when you’ve spent a career in one building for one employer. Although during my work day I’m usually buried under piles of files and paper, and lists of things left to do, I must admit I didn’t realize what I had stored in my office and environs. But last month was the designated “purge month” for the employees of Indiana Electric Cooperatives, publisher of Electric Consumer. We are moving to a new headquarters in June. And, as those of you who’ve moved before (or done some serious decluttering) know, sometimes what’s in back of the drawers or on top of the cabinets can surprise you. For instance, among my discoveries from my 34 years in the same location: • Several decades worth of props used in food photos: including four ears of Indian corn, a wicker cornucopia and craft store autumn leaves which were used often in the 1990s.
ELECTRIC CONSUMER is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers: use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 251,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. OUR ADDRESS 720 N. High School Road Indianapolis, IN 46214
• In the same box as the photo props was a lone candy cane. Lesson learned: candy canes still in their plastic wrappers just may stand the test of time!
TELEPHONE 317-487-2220 or 800‑340‑7362
• Dozens of three-ring binders scavenged throughout the years when others were discarding them. I thought I could use them someday. Someday never came.
EMAIL ec@ElectricConsumer.org
• White felt fashioned into makeshift beards used when staff members dressed as the seven dwarves one Halloween. Also two pairs of wire frame glasses suitable for use with Santa and Mrs. Claus costumes. • Enough coffee mugs adorned with corporate logos of REMCs and vendors, and miscellaneous tea bags to keep the office staff caffienated for a month — that is, if 5-year-old tea bags are still OK to use. Amidst the clutter, I’ve found old photos, yellowed past issues, and file folders filled with letters from readers through the years. Who’d have thought that my numerous trips to the dumpster could also lead me down memory lane?
WEBSITE ElectricConsumer.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS Gary Gerlach President Walter Hunter Vice President Randy Kleaving Secretary/Treasurer Tom VanParis Chief Executive Officer EDITORIAL STAFF Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Member Relations/ Advertising Manager Ellie Schuler Communications Specialist ADVERTISING American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181; amp.coop
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@electricconsumer.org On the menu: May — High Carb recipes (to “fuel up” for the Indy
500!); deadline Feb. 19. June — Strawberry recipes; deadline Feb. 19. If we publish your recipe on our food page, we’ll send you a $10 Target gift card.
Reader Submissions page: May — Photos from the Indy
500; deadline Feb. 19. June — Photos of ugly bridesmaid dresses; deadline Feb. 19.
Free brunch: Winner of the free brunch for two at Tippecanoe Place
Restaurant from January was Jennifer Loving, a Marshall County REMC consumer. Stay tuned for more giveaways in future issues.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters and
entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website ElectricConsumer.org; email ec@ElectricConsumer.org; or send to Electric Consumer, PO Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224.
Crosshair Media, 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication. UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Electric Consumer does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safe‑keeping or return of unsolicited material. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Readers who receive Electric Consumer through their electric co-op membership should report address changes to their local co-op. POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224. Include key number. No portion of Electric Consumer may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
FEBRUARY 2018
3
contents
FEBRUARY
14
17
product picks 03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS What’s happening at your local electric cooperative. 10 ENERGY 12 INSIGHTS 14 PRODUCT PICKS Major appliances keep getting smarter — to save you money and time.
food
16 INDIANA EATS Let the good times roll. 17 FOOD The Chinese New Year and South Korean Olympics offer “Asian inspiration.” 19 COVER STORY Hoosier speed-skating siblings — competing on a national level — share Olympic dreams.
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ElectricConsumer Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/Electriconsumer
19
28
cover story
outdoors
24 L EGISLATIVE
31 PRODUCT RECALLS
26 E VENTS CALENDAR
32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS
28 OUTDOORS Indiana’s nesting YouTube’d barn owls have an encore. 29 SAFETY Are you ready to safely ride out a winter storm? 30 BACKYARD
33 READER SUBMISSIONS When readers share images of wildlife. 34 PROFILE Justin Vining is an artist whose life journey has taken him down different paths (not in all editions).
On the Cover Quinn Derheimer, #10, might only be 9 years old, but he dreams of being an Olympic speed
Find us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/Electriconsumer
skater someday. The IndySpeed skater from
Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/ElectricConsumer
Chicago earlier this season.
Indianapolis is shown racing in suburban
PHOTO BY MARINA SAMOVSKY PHOTOGRAPHY/MARINAPHOTO.COM
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FEBRUARY 2018
www.harrisonremc.com CONTACT US 812-738-4115 812-951-2323 Fax: 574-935-4162
co-op news
Growing
up co-op
EMAIL Click on “Contact Us” at www.harrisonremc.com. OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday STREET ADDRESS 1165 Old Forest Road, Corydon, IN 47112
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pat Book (Palmyra), Chairman Brian Koetter (Borden), Vice President David Poe (Floyds Knobs), Secretary/Treasurer David Walther (Lanesville) Darin Duncan (Elizabeth) C. Todd Uhl (Corydon) Danny Wiseman (Mauckport) Roy Zimmerman (Laconia) Craig Engleman (Corydon)
affordable electric service. Living on
being able to walk
co-op lines is an investment in our
into my favorite
community and its members.
locally-owned shop,
MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 517, Corydon, IN 47112 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a power outage, please call 812738-4115 or 812-951-2323, day or night.
I like the feeling of
restaurant or store knowing that the profit, product and labor can make positive impacts on my community. The spirit of Main Street is embodied in these local businesses, just like it is in Harrison REMC.
LED security light rental; heating and cooling rebate program; surge protection information; home energy seminars; CFL bulb recycling; payment via phone, online, e-check, automatic payment plan and budget billing; REMC gift certifications; and mobile website with notification options!
for-profit business. When we have a positive financial year, electric rates remain stable and a portion of the excess funds is refunded to the members (that’s you!) in the form of capital credits. This means after all co-op expenses and financial
Electric cooperatives are as local and
requirements are satisfied, any
community-centered as they come.
additional money we earn goes back
Founded as a way to bring electricity
into our community, instead of going
to communities that didn’t interest
into a shareholder’s pocket, which is
investor-owned utilities (IOUs), electric
pretty great!
cooperatives have been a cornerstone of community and economic
Harrison REMC offers...
You see, Harrison REMC is a not-
development in rural America and beyond for decades. That feeling I get when I frequent local businesses in our community is the same feeling I get when I walk into work at the co-op every day. It is a feeling of pride. I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves the
MISSION STATEMENT
community in which we live, instead
The mission of Harrison REMC is to provide a well-informed membership with superior, competitively priced electric and related member service(s), accomplished by highly trained, committed employees. It is further the mission to improve the quality of life of the member-owners by promoting community, economic development and energy efficiency activities.
of a group of shareholders who may never have set foot in our service territory. Living on co-op lines is more than just knowing there are people out there working to bring you safe, reliable and
And because we are owned by you, our members, we have a vested interest in making sure our community is prosperous. I hope that you view Harrison REMC not just as your electric utility provider, but as a local business that brings pride and prosperity to our community. If you are interested in learning more about how we keep the lights on and beyond, please stop by the co-op or give us a call. We love being a part of this community, and we hope you feel the same way, too!
DAVID LETT CEO FEBRUARY 2018
5
! n o i t n e t At This year, Harrison REMC
will send members their 2018 annual meeting information
and registration card by using a wrap around the Electric Consumer magazine. All members will receive this on the March Electric Consumer, even those who normally receive it via email.
SAVE THE DATE Annual meeting: April 3 at Corydon Central High School. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. Meeting begins at 7 p.m.
Easter Bunny to visit REMC The Easter Bunny will visit the REMC office on March 21 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A photographer will be on hand to capture each child’s time with the Easter Bunny. A photo of each child will be available at no charge, and parents can bring cameras to take their own photos. Parents, please park on the west side of the building and enter through that door.
Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment Harrison REMC will make a Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment to its retail rates as a result of changes in Hoosier Energy Inc.’s wholesale power costs to its member Rural Electric Membership Corporations (REMCs). This action will result in an expected increase to member bills of $0.001156 per kWh ($1.16 per 1,000 kWh). This change will take effect for bills to be rendered beginning with the February 2018 billing cycles.
In the market to buy, build or renovate? Call the REMC office to schedule a free one-on-one session with Energy Advisor Bob Geswein. CUSTOMIZED INFO FOR YOUR PROJECT!
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FEBRUARY 2018
Learn great ways to save money through energy efficient construction and remodeling techniques from a local pro. Call 812-734-3538 to schedule your session today!
co-op news
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
apply HOW TO
ENERGIZE YOUR SUMMER AT
Touchstone Energy Camp
WASHINGTON, D.C.
JUNE 6-9
Indiana youth tour
JUNE 7-14
What are you doing this summer?
A fun, powerful, and unique
Your electric co-op wants to send
camp experience
you on a weeklong, all-inclusive
designed for
trip of a lifetime
For more information about
students entering
to Washington,
attending camp this summer and
seventh grade in
D.C.
2018. Horseback
Monuments,
riding, canoeing,
museums,
zip lining, trying out
legislators,
archery, swimming,
friends, trip of a
learning about
lifetime, history.
electrical safety, and
Must be a junior
bucket truck rides!
to apply.
TOUC HS T ON E E N E RGY CA MP
to download an application, visit www.harrisonremc.com and hover on the "community" tab. Applications are due by Feb. 15.
I N DI A NA YOU TH T OU R Ready to pack your bags? Download an application at www.harrisonremc.com and
HARRISON REMC
hover on the “community” tab.
scholarships
Applications are due by Feb. 15.
S C HOL A RS H IP S Download the 2018
FALL 2018
Harrison REMC continuously looks for ways to support our community. That's why each year we assist our young members in their pursuit of higher education by awarding scholarships to our graduating seniors.
scholarship application at www.harrisonremc.com and
REQUIREMENTS The scholarship is open to high school seniors who have been
hover on the “community” tab.
accepted to attend a college or university located within the Indiana counties of
Applications are due at the REMC office by March 30.
Clark, Floyd or Harrison, as well as Jefferson County in Kentucky. Students must be a full-time student (12 credit hours) for the fall 2018 semester.
FEBRUARY 2018
7
co-op news
New meter reading program for 2018 and
Since 2005, the REMC has been reading the meters for the majority of members over the power lines. While this system has served the cooperative well for many years, the power line meter reading system and associated meters are nearing the end of their useful lives.
Enroll now to receive your
electric bill and Electric Consumer by email.
You’ll receive a $1 per month bill credit for 18 months if you enroll for both items, or a 50¢ per month bill credit for enrolling one item. (This promotion is available for new enrollees only.)
Go to www.harrisonremc.com to sign up or call 812-738-4115 or 812-951-2323.
It’s fast, free and simple
Like most technology, such as a cell phone or computer, which typically needs to be replaced every four to five years, the REMC’s meters and communication system have become outdated after 13 years of service. Considering the limitations of the current system, the cost associated with maintaining it and the capability of today’s technology, the cooperative has decided to replace the existing meter reading system. In 2017, the REMC tested the new meter system in the Dogwood substation (area south of Corydon), along with other locations strategically placed in the service area to verify the range of the system’s communication. The test indicated the proposed new meter system will be much more reliable, provide more accuracy and allow the REMC to provide other added services. The new meters will be deployed system wide and will be completed by the end of 2018. Some of the primary features provided by the new meter and communication equipment after system-wide deployment are: • The capability to retrieve and display to members their hourly kilowatt consumption as needed. • The capability to detect a service outage. Currently, outages are detected from member phone calls. This new system will alert the REMC of power outages before you call the cooperative. • The ability for the REMC to offer new services, such as prepaid billing, outage text notifications to members when power is interrupted and notifications about your account’s use before you get an unexpected high bill. More information will be provided to members as the REMC completes the program in 2018.
Employee recognition
@ GO GREEN!
Harrison REMC recently honored employees with milestone anniversaries at its annual employee event. Employees reaching a milestone included:
10 years:
30 years:
Kyle Armstrong, lineman, and Jason Windell, lineman
Deanna Zollman, member service representative
25 years: Rob Blank, lineman
20 years: Kim Stewart, member service representative
15 years:
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FEBRUARY 2018
Jean Dean, member service representative
Cathy Racicot, communications manager, and Brandon Gentry, meter technician
5 years:
“I want to thank them for their commitment and service to the membership, said David Lett, CEO. “I also want to thank all employees for completing another successful year of service.”
energy
Get smart What to consider when buying a thermostat
Today, many thermostats offer great new technologies and can do things thermostats of the past simply could not do. That said, it’s certainly worth asking if
If your electric co-op has a demand response program that offers discounts for using less power during peak energy use hours, a smart thermostat can provide additional savings on your monthly power bill.
these new thermostats can save enough
The move to smart technology is a
money to justify the extra cost.
significant investment. Units can cost up
Let’s start by looking at the three main options for thermostats: manual, programmable and smart.
to $400, although one manufacturer has a new model for about $170. It’s also important to note not all homes have the proper wiring in place to accommodate
The main benefits of a manual thermostat
smart thermostats, so you may need
are that it’s simple to operate and there
to hire a professional to handle the
are no batteries to wear out and replace.
installation.
You just have to remember to raise and lower the temperature setting in the morning and evening, and whenever you leave the house. The second option is the programmable thermostat. Typically, this type of thermostat allows settings for four different periods each day. Some models can even handle a different schedule for each day of the week. You control the settings so they will suit your climate, schedule and temperature preferences.
P HO TO CO URTESY O F BRAD THI ESSEN, CO LLABO RATI VE EFFI CI ENCY
by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen
Are newer, more expensive thermostats worth the extra cost? How much a thermostat can save depends on how much you spend on heating and cooling your house. You can estimate your heating and cooling expenses by examining your electric bills (and other utility bills) related to heating your home. Compare the bills for winter and summer to those for spring and fall. Most of the difference is likely due to heating and cooling. If
Smart thermostats can be controlled remotely through a smart phone or tablet.
The third option is a smart, or “learning”
that amount is more than $900 per year,
thermostat. A smart thermostat connects
which is the national average, you have
to your home’s Wi-Fi network. After
bills that much, even if you program it
a better chance of a good return on your
installation, you input the basics of your
correctly or if it learns your behavior.
investment.
schedule and temperature. Over time, as you change the settings, it learns your schedule and adjusts to minimize energy use. Smart thermostats can also detect when no one is home. You can also control it remotely by using an app on your smartphone or tablet.
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FEBRUARY 2018
As you make your decision, don’t forget
The second factor that will determine
to look to your electric co-op’s website for
how much you can save is how you are
advice, ratings and maybe even rebates.
operating your old thermostat. If you are conscientious about adjusting the temperature to save energy when you’re leaving the house or going to bed, the new thermostat may not reduce your
PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency write for the member publications of America’s Electric Cooperatives. For more information on heat pumps, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.
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insights
Fireflies in space PURDUE UNIVERSITY AND GRADE SCHOOL TEAM UP FOR OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ZERO-GRAVITY EXPERIMENT
‘W
ould fireflies light up in space?” is a reasonable kind of question only second graders studying the wondrous little bioluminescent beetles might be curious enough to ask. To find out, students in Maggie Samudio’s class at Cumberland Elementary in West Lafayette posed the question to Purdue University’s astronautics professor Steven Collicott. To answer it as an educational exercise, he teamed students at Purdue’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics with the second graders to create ZGGE: ZeroGravity Glow Experiment. The automated experiment would determine if the reaction between the two chemicals that occurs in the bellies of fireflies to create their light would do the same artificially in the belly of a space capsule in the weightlessness of space. On Dec. 12, 2017, over two years and a suborbital flight 200,000 miles above Earth later, the question was answered aboard a Blue Origin launch. When the capsule reached weightlessness, the rocket’s computer triggered the experiment to begin. A miniature video camera recorded as the plunger of a syringe filled with one of the chemicals used by fireflies was injected into the other. And the answer, we now know, is — “YES!” Fireflies could light up in space.
Blue Origin is an aerospace firm launching commercial payloads and preparing for human spaceflight. Purdue has flown experiments with Blue Origin before. The 12-minute flights blast off from its launch facility in western Texas. Along with ZGGE, the December flight included 11 other commercial, research and education experiments. The weightless environment lasted about three minutes. Interest in fireflies at Cumberland took off in 2014 when a student wondered why Indiana had no state insect, and her class began lobbying the Indiana General Assembly to make it Say’s Firefly (a variety discovered by naturalist Thomas Say in New Harmony in 1826). Their efforts were featured in the June 2016 Electric Consumer. Undeterred by defeats at the Statehouse, the students continued their efforts. This legislative session, they received the backing of Gov. Eric Holcomb who even noted his support for their cause in his State of the State address Jan. 9. While the students’ fireflies in space question has been resolved with a flight to the edges of the Earth and back, their question as to why there’s no state insect remains up in the air. To revisit our 2016 story and find links to more info, go to: electricconsumer.org/carrying-a-torch.
PHOTO BY BLUE O RI G I N
The Purdue/Cumberland Elementary firefly experiment blasted off Dec. 12, 2017, aboard a Blue Origin rocket and capsule. This photo was of a Blue Origin launch in 2016.
Trump task force: Broadband vital to rural America President Donald Trump signed two
nation,” said Jim Matheson, CEO of
utilities in addition to enhanced federal
executive orders to facilitate rural
the National Rural Electric Cooperative
coordination to help bring broadband to
broadband at the American Farm Bureau
Association. “This task force report
rural communities.
conference in Nashville Jan. 8.
rightfully identifies a number of key areas
During the conference, the report of a task force Trump convened was unveiled.
and nearly all depend on expanded access to high-speed internet.”
One of the executive orders signed by Trump requires the Department of the Interior to ease access to towers and other infrastructure the department
The report emphasized
The task force met with farmers and
manages. The second calls for
access to broadband.
local communities to determine the
departments and agencies to reduce
greatest barriers to rural prosperity. The
barriers to capital investment and
group also recommended expediting
government resources to enable rural
infrastructure modernization for rural
broadband projects.
“The success of rural America is critical to the well-being of our entire
12
that are essential to economic growth,
FEBRUARY 2018
insights
ART CONTEST
win $200
You could
ENTER YOUR BEST ARTWORK Fill the pages of the 2019 calendar!
ELIGIBILITY
PRIZES
Indiana public, private or home-schooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2017-18 school year are eligible to enter the contest.
A first-place artist will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $200. The artwork of each grade level winner will also illustrate the cover and each month of the calendar. Up to nine additional artists will earn honorable mention awards and receive $50. Their artwork will appear in a special section of the calendar. An “artist of the year� will be selected from among the first place winners and receive an additional $100. Judges will also select merit award winners who will receive certificates.
DETAILS AND DEADLINE A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at ElectricConsumer.org. Entry deadline is March 23, 2018.
Questions? Contact Electric Consumer 317.487.2220 or ec@electricconsumer.org.
FEBRUARY 2018
13
product picks
Move up to the
1
4
majors Major League Baseball’s spring training begins later this month (and not a moment too soon for
5
those tired of this cold winter). It seems every season, players use new technology to enhance their skills. Same is true with major appliances. They get smarter each year to do more than ever before.
2 1
2
KEEP YOUR COOL Frozen fridge gawkers! They stand there, door open, cold air escaping, deciding on the perfect snack. Retrain them with an LG InstaView Door-inDoor refrigerator. They just knock twice on the glass panel to see what’s inside without opening a door. $4,500. 800-243-0000; lg.com
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FEBRUARY 2018
3
6
3
4
5
6
THINK SMALL
JET-POWERED
SPEEDY SUPPER
DOUBLE DUTY
IN COMMAND
Need just an item washed but don’t have a full load? With the LG Sidekick, you can do tiny loads without feeling wasteful. The Sidekick operates as its own mini-washer and serves as a base for a full-size LG frontloader. $657.
Dishwashers are big time savers — but not if you have to wash off every speck of food before you load the dishes. With 140 jets, the GE Monogram Dishwasher delivers a deep clean and has a third rack just for silverware. $2,000.
Get dinner in a flash with a Panasonic Countertop Oven & Indoor Grill with Induction Technology. This oven grills, broils, bakes, toasts and cooks one-pan meals using doubleinfrared and induction technology. $399.
Every cook has been there — one dish cooks at 350 F; another at 425. You can serve both dishes hot out of the oven with the Samsung Flex Duo Range, a single oven that turns into a double oven when you need one. $2,777.
You’re in the middle of shopping and can’t remember if you’re out of milk. The Samsung Family Hub refrigerator lets you peek inside wherever you are. This fridge also lets you coordinate schedules, make lists and play music. $3,332 and up.
888-237-8289; bestbuy.com
866-626-2000; monogram.com
888-280-4331; amazon.com
800-726-7864; samsung.com
800-726-7864; samsung.com
Indiana eats
Ragin’ for Cajun ‘Laissez les bon temps rouler’ at Zydeco’s! If you’re ready to embrace your inner
something more exotic? Sink your
Cajun and celebrate Mardi Gras (Feb.
tastebuds into Zydeco’s gator on a stick.
13) this month with some mouthwatering food, we have just the spot for you.
The restaurant also holds crawfish boils from late spring through early
Zydeco’s Cajun Actual in Mooresville,
summer. To satisfy your sweet tooth,
Indiana, just a short drive south of
you can enjoy its famous rum sauce with
Indianapolis, has been serving up
bread pudding, bourbon pecan pie and
authentic, world-famous southern
chocolate cake.
Louisiana cuisine for its customers in a Mardi Gras-style atmosphere for years. The restaurant has been featured on Food Network, CNN, Fox News and more. On the menu, prepared by its Louisiana native executive chef, is traditional regional fare such as jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice. Looking for
After your visit, if you’re willing to try some recipes at home, be sure to purchase the Zydeco’s Cajun Actual Cookbook (visit its website for ordering details). So “Let the good times roll” and make a stop at Zydeco’s Cajun Actual for a taste of Louisiana right here in the Hoosier state.
Zydeco’s Cajun Actual 11 E Main St.
Mooresville, Indiana
317-834-3900 Hours: Wed-Thu, 5 to 9 p.m. Fri, 5 to 10 p.m. Sat, 4 to 10 p.m.
Zydecos.net PHO TO CO URTESY O F ZYDECO ’ S CAJ UN AUTHE NTI C
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FEBRUARY 2018
food
asian INSPIRATION
Pad Thai 8 oz. broad rice stick noodles 2 t. oil 2 large eggs, beaten 1 clove garlic, minced 4 T. Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce 3 T. sugar 3 T. fresh lime juice 2 T. ketchup 1 T. Thai red chili paste 8 oz. large shrimp, peeled, deveined and sliced lengthwise or 10 oz. extra firm tofu, cubed 1 cup bean sprouts 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges ½ cup chopped cilantro 4 T. roasted and salted peanuts, chopped 4 T. chopped green onions Soak noodles in warm water for 20 minutes. Heat 1 T. oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggs. Cook slowly until the eggs form a pancake. Cool and cut into thin strips. Put garlic, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, ketchup and chili paste in a blender. Pulse until smooth. Heat wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 t. oil. Add shrimp or tofu and sprouts. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add drained noodles and eggs. Add sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for 4 minutes until the noodles are tender. Divide into 4 portions. Garnish with lime, cilantro, peanuts and scallions.
Cook’s notes: Noodles, fish sauce and chili paste can be found in the Asian food section of grocery stores or online. Chopped beef, pork or chicken could be used instead of shrimp or tofu.
FEBRUARY 2018
17
food
Ginger Chicken by Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois 3 T. dry sherry
In a small bowl, stir together sherry,
2 T. soy sauce
soy sauce, bean sauce (if desired),
2 T. hot bean sauce (optional)
water and cornstarch. Set aside.
1 T. water 1 t. cornstarch 2 T. cooking oil 1 T. grated ginger root 1 cup sliced carrots
Pork Spring Rolls by Heidi Stamets, Monroeville
high heat. Add 1 T. of oil. (Add remaining oil as necessary during cooking.)
3½ cups sliced bok choy or
Stir-fry ginger and carrots for
chopped Chinese cabbage
2 minutes.
2 cups pea pods or 1 (6-oz.)
Add bok choy or cabbage, pea pods
package frozen pea pods,
and onions. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
¼ cup hoisin sauce
thawed
¼ cup soy sauce
3 green onions, sliced
2 T. Asian hot sauce
2 medium chicken breasts,
¼ cup water
boned, skinned and cut in bite-
3 minutes.
1 (16-oz.) bag coleslaw mix
size pieces
Add soy sauce mixture and
½ cup chopped cilantro
1 cup hot cooked rice
vegetables. Cook until hot.
½ cup sliced green onions 1 T. vegetable oil 1 lb. ground pork 3 T. grated fresh ginger 9-12 (9-in.) rice paper wrappers Combine hoisin, soy sauce, hot sauce and water in small bowl. Heat oil in large skillet and add pork and 1/3 cup hoisin mixture. Cook until pork is no longer pink. Turn off heat. Stir in ginger, coleslaw, cilantro and green onions. Cover pan until ready to fill spring rolls. Spread clean, damp kitchen towel on counter. Soak 2–4 wraps in bowl of warm water until just pliable, about 10 seconds. Arrange ½ cup of filling on each wrapper. Fold in sides and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Plate spring rolls in a single layer. They will stick together if stacked. Serve with remaining hoisin mixture as a dipping sauce.
Editor’s notes: You may need extra rice paper wrappers. We suggest soaking wrappers one at a time. If soaked too long, wrappers are unusable. When folding the spring rolls, fold top, then one side, then bottom and finally roll into a cigar shape.
18
Preheat a wok or large skillet over
FEBRUARY 2018
Remove vegetables from wok. Add chicken to wok. Stir-fry
Serve with rice. FO O D PREPARED BY ELECTRI C CO NSUM ER STAFF PHO TO S BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER
cover story
Olympic
s m a e Dr
Brooke and Quinn Derheimer, speedskating siblings from Indianapolis, are honing their skills today for a shot at the Winter Olympics sometime in the future. PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI E V E R
A PREVIEW of the OLYMPICS … in 2026? This pair of skating siblings hopes so.
A
thletes from around the world will compete for gold at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeo-
ngchang, South Korea, this month. Two Indianapolis youngsters are also training for Olympic gold — even though their quest for their goal is not in the immediate future. Brooke Derheimer, 10, recently qualified for the 2018 Short Track Age Group Nationals in March — the only kid from Indiana to do so. Her younger brother, Quinn, 9, hopes to qualify this month. Cindi Hart, head coach of the IndySpeed Sports Club, is impressed with both skaters’ skills. “They’ve got the desire, talent and family backing. They have the potential to go as far as they want to go. My job is to keep them safe, focused and improving.” Their speed skating journeys started when Brooke first put on a pair of figure PLEASE TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE FEBRUARY 2018
19
Before taking to the ice for practice, IndySpeed teammate Duree Brown shows Brooke a warm-up technique using a “turn belt.” Pulling against the belt simulates the g-forces of the tight turns at speed on the ice and works the muscles used.
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE skates at the age of 3. When her parents, Jon and Ann Derheimer, adopted her from Vietnam, she was underdeveloped.
“
People act like (hockey)
They put her in group figure skating
is a football game. For
lessons with hopes of strengthening
speed skating, you don’t
her legs and improving her balance. It worked. They just didn’t realize she’d like it so much. Ann could tell Brooke loved skating
have to worry about people getting in your
after she competed for the first time.
way or people hurting
“I was so worried because she was so
you. You just get to do
little, and she was competing on the full ice. But she got off the ice, and she was beaming. It was then that I was like ‘oh my, she’s kind of hooked.’” Quinn, who is also adopted, tagged along to Brooke’s practices and loved watching the older hockey players working out. He tried hockey, but his
laps.
”
Quinn Derheimer
parents quickly realized it wasn’t for
he complained about the other skaters
Becoming ‘Mighty Quinn’
bumping into him, Ann said.
Quinn’s transition into speed skating
him. Though he enjoyed skating fast and doing drills, when he got off the ice,
“People act like (hockey) is a football
happened by chance during a public ses-
game,” Quinn said. “For speed skating,
sion at Perry Park Ice Rink on Indianap-
you don’t have to worry about people
olis’ south side. While practicing in his
getting in your way or people hurting
hockey skates, Quinn followed a couple
you. You just get to do laps.”
skating laps in speed skates and tried to mimic their moves. The couple — future
20
FEBRUARY 2018
Brooke appears to bristle at instructions from her IndySpeed Coach Cindi Hart at the start of another series of drills. PHO TO S BY RI CHARD G . BI E V E R
coach Cindi Hart and her husband, Ken — quickly noticed him and brought him a pair of speed skates to try. “The next thing we knew, he was keeping up with us,” Cindi said. “He’s this little phenom with all this potential and talent.” Three months later, he competed in his first competition — the Land of Lincoln invitational — and won every heat in his meets. He was 5, competing against 6-, 7- and 8-year-olds. A competitor’s parent soon nicknamed him “Mighty Quinn,” a reference to a 1989 movie and song from the 1960s. At later competitions, competitors’ families quickly began recognizing him. “I remember standing by the glass, and I could hear two or three different parents talk about ‘that little guy from Indiana.’ I was just beaming,” Ann said. Like her brother, Brooke tried speed skating, too, and loved it right away. She continues to figure skate and switches back and forth between the two sports. “When I first got on speed skates, it was a little hard,” Brooke said. “But now that I’ve gotten a little better and know how to center myself better, it gets a little easier each time we learn something new.”
Quinn, left, and Brooke break away from a start line during timed repeat drills around the ice during a weekend practice in Fishers.
added. “So, there’s something we can
currently in the same age group, they
group national qualifying time in her
help each other with. …. You get a benefit
sometimes race in the same heat in
favorite event — the 500 meters. While
out of that because he can do things I
competition.
her current lap time is 13 seconds, she
can’t, and I can do things he can’t.”
Last fall, Brooke reached her age
wants to cut it down to 11 seconds by will be held in Saratoga Springs, New
Competing against each other
York. “I’m going to keep doing off-ice:
For the siblings, competitions always
working on stairs, pushing harder on the
require out-of-state travel. They load up
ice and building my legs up so I can get a
on protein for breakfast at a hotel and eat
March to place well at nationals, which
bigger push,” she said. In speed skating, she specializes
snacks in between races. A competition often includes three events, but six races
in quick starts, whereas Quinn prefers
— a semi-final and final round for each
longer distances.
event. The first and second place finish-
“I have a big gas tank,” Quinn said.
ers in a semi-final and the third fastest
“When people start to get tired in the last
skater overall qualify for the final round.
lap, I don’t. I can just get around them.”
To win overall, points are combined from
“Quinn needs to work on starts, and I need to work on endurance,” Brooke
“When I practice with my brother, it’s all fun and games. But when it comes to competition, we both want to win,” Brooke said. “It pushes me harder because I know he could beat me, and I don’t want him to.” While their family tries to do five or six invitationals per season, this March will be their first time competing in a national speed skating competition. “I’m excited and nervous mostly,” Quinn said. “I’m excited to win, but I’m nervous that I’ll fall.” But has he ever fallen in
each final event. Because Quinn and Brooke are
PLEASE TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE FEBRUARY 2018
21
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE competition? Once, but he bounced up so quickly he stayed in first, his mom said. Competition time is tough on the Derheimer parents. Jon said he’s a nervous wreck when his kids compete: “I Quinn tunes out distractions as he prepares himself mentally for his upcoming race at the 2017 Park Ridge Open speed skating competition in Park Ridge, Illinois. P H OTO B Y MA R IN A S A MOV SK Y PH OTOGR A P H Y
can’t sit. I have to pace.” “It’s really hard when they’re both on the ice and in the same heat,” Ann added. “We’re just yelling ‘Go Derheimers’ or ‘IndySpeed.’” To prepare for competitions, the siblings practice 3.5 hours on ice and 6 hours off ice per week. They have even attended clinics with Olympians at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The center, which features
Skating away in Indiana
Know someone with his or her own Olympic dreams? Here’s a list of skating clubs around the state offering lessons for figure skating, hockey and speed skating.
FIGURE SKATING: • Ice Skating Club of Indianapolis Carmel www.skateisci.com • Indiana/World Skating Academy Figure Skating Club Carmel www.facebook.com/ IWSAFigureSkatingClub • Lincoln Center Skate Club Columbus www.sites.google.com/ lcsccolumbus.org/home/home • Greater Evansville Figure Skating Club Evansville www.gefsc.com • Fishers Figure Skating Club Fishers www.indyfueltank.com/figureskating
22
FEBRUARY 2018
• Fort Wayne Ice Skating Club Fort Wayne www.fortwayneiceskatingclub.org • Sycamore Ice Skating Club Indianapolis www.sycamoreisc.org • Winter Club of Indianapolis Indianapolis www.winterclubindy.org • Irish Figure Skating Club South Bend www.irishfsc.org
HOCKEY: • Indianapolis Youth Hockey Association Carmel www.iyha.com • Columbus Youth Hockey Columbus www.columbusyouthhockey.org • Evansville Youth Hockey Evansville www.eyha.us
• Fort Wayne Amateur Hockey Association Fort Wayne www.fwaha.org/page/show/488000fwaha-home-page • Junior Fuel Hockey Indianapolis and Fishers, Indiana www.juniorfuelhockey.com • South Stars High School Hockey Club Indianapolis www.southstarshockey.net • Irish Youth Hockey League South Bend www.iyhl.club
SPEED SKATING: • Crossroads Speedskating Columbus www.crossroadsspeedskating.org • IndySpeed Sports Club Fishers www.indyspeed.org
“
Watching the
When Quinn’s not skating, he’s like the
Winter Games
Tasmanian devil, P HO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI E V E R
whirling and twirling all over the place. But he has this focus and commitment. When he’s on the ice, he’s so mature. It’s like laser focus.
”
Coach Cindi Hart a 400-meter oval long track — one of only two in the country, hosted the 2018 Olympic Long Track Trials in early January. At this center’s clinics, speed skaters of all levels train on the ice for 4 hours and off the ice for 6 hours with a 30-minute lunch break each day. “After that, your legs burn. You feel like you can’t walk,” Brooke said.
Quinn shows off a pin coach Ken Hart presented to all the IndySpeed skaters before a practice. The pin combines the logos of the U.S. Speedskating team and the 2018 Winter Olympics.
term, though, both siblings have Olympic dreams. “I want to go to the Olympics and
• 102 gold medals • 2,800 athletes • 85+ national Olympic committees
medalist.
The Olympics will air on NBC
“Well, maybe not the next Apollo
networks. Viewers can stream
Ohno,” Quinn second-guessed himself. “I
events live and on-demand on
could be faster.”
NBCOlympics.com and the
“I want to be the first person to win the Olympics in both figure skating and speed skating,” Brooke added. Hart said the siblings have the trifecta for success in speed skating — natural talent, focus and desire, and fantastic parents to support them no matter what. “When Quinn’s not skating, he’s
Managing schedules for work, school
“But he has this focus and commitment.
and their kids’ activities can be a chal-
When he’s on the ice, he’s so mature. It’s
lenge, but to Jon and Ann, it’s worth it.
like laser focus.”
twirling all over the place,” Hart said.
Hart said both Brooke and Quinn
can get where they need to be,” Jon said.
listen to instruction and apply it to
“I try to put them in a circumstance
their skating well, which is especially
where they will succeed. If they do
important for their age. “A coach’s dream is to be able to tell
self-motivated and will keep pushing
someone what to do to get better and
themselves out there in practice so they
then actually see them do it,” she said.
can learn more and do well.”
“That’s a great skill to have.
Their coach, Cindi Hart, helps her
FAST FACTS:
referring to the eight-time Olympic
like the Tasmanian devil, whirling and
succeed, then that takes over. They’re
• Pyeongchang, South Korea Feb. 9-25 pyeongchang2018.com
TUNING IN THE GAMES:
be the next Apollo Ohno,” Quinn said,
Worth the scheduling challenges
“We do what we have to do, so they
2018 WINTER OLYMPICS
“It really is an honor for me to be
NBC Sports app.
HOOSIER GOEPPER GOES FOR GOLD: When watching the Olympics, keep your eyes peeled for freestyle skier Nick Goepper. The 23-yearold native of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, won bronze in 2014 and will be going for gold this time.
OTHER TEAM USA ATHLETES TO WATCH: • Mikaela Shiffrin, alpine skiing • Elana Meyers Taylor, bobsled • John Shuster, curling • Nathan Chen, figure skating • Gus Kenworthy, freestyle skiing • Brianna Decker, hockey • J.R. Celski, short track speed skating
skaters create short-term, achievable
able to help facilitate speed skating in
goals. For Quinn, that includes quicker,
Indianapolis and to facilitate Brooke and
“twitchier” starts while Brooke plans to
Quinn’s future potential,” Hart said. “It’s
reduce her lap time and strengthen her
an honor just to get to watch them grow.”
• Chloe Kim, snowboarding
legs to improve her endurance. Long-
WRITTEN BY ELECTRIC CONSUMER STAFF
Sources: olympic.org, teamusa.org
• Sarah Hendrickson, ski jumping
FEBRUARY 2018
23
legislative
Under the radar
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS TEAM WORKS BEHIND THE SCENES FOR YOU by Brian Christenberry Though Indiana’s electric cooperatives will not have any landmark legislation in play during the short 2018 Indiana General Assembly session now underway, co-ops will continue working to put legislative building blocks in place to bring highspeed broadband to the unserved areas of Indiana.
“
to apply to telecoms installing new
deployment, attracting
engaged in strategic initiatives that
Encouraging broadband business and workers to our state and
Time is of the essence during the
keeping your energy
non-budget session which comes
bills low is all the
around every other year. The 2018 session must adjourn by March 14
publicity we could
which leaves little room for filler and
ask for this General
fluff.
Assembly session.
The general consensus among observers this time of year is that about 80 percent of all bills filed in 2018 will not become law. So,
”
5g technology, the Indiana Energy Association, Indiana Municipal Power Agency and IEC are working together to try to correct this overreach. Over the past 18 months, IEC has have focused on quality of life, readying a 21st century workforce and reaching out to a younger generation of consumers. We are excited Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced 2018 legislative initiative items that mirror our objectives. The governor’s 2018 agenda will focus on developing a more technologically savvy workforce to fill current openings and attract emerging tech business to our state. As you follow the news over the next
associations and special interests like
their engaged consumers, we have
two months, you probably won’t see
Indiana Electric Cooperatives need to
won those battles.
IEC stealing the headlines away from
make every moment count.
This session, co-ops will continue
For the past several sessions,
working on broadband legislation in
IEC has been engaging in some
anticipation for the time federal and
controversial and difficult debates
state governments invest as much
on issues that affect its members —
in digital infrastructure as they did in
Indiana’s 38 electric cooperatives
20th century roads and bridges.
— and the safe, reliable and affordable electricity they provide to their consumers. IEC has asked lawmakers to protect co-op service territory, tweak the rules under which cooperatives operate and how broadband can be brought to unserved areas. To the credit of Indiana’s electric cooperatives and
24
FEBRUARY 2018
issues like Sunday sales of alcohol, constitutional carrying of firearms, medicinal use of marijuana or electoral redistricting reform. Flying under the radar and not asking for too much leading up to a campaign season is exactly where Indiana’s electric co-ops
During this session, IEC will fight
need to be this year. Encouraging
to also correct a measure passed
broadband deployment, attracting
last year that allows a local unit of
business and workers to our state and
government to force all electric utility
keeping your energy bills low is all the
providers to bury new and repaired
publicity we could ask for this General
power lines. This mandate will lead
Assemby session.
to a cost increase that will be felt by consumers. Originally intended
BRIAN CHRISTENBERRY is state government relations manager for Indiana Electric Cooperatives.
YOUR
VOTE
HELPS PROTECT THE FUTURE OF INDIANA’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES As a member-owner of an Indiana electric cooperative, you are among 1.3 million Hoosiers who can claim ownership in a not-for-profit, consumer-controlled utility that provides electricity at cost.
REGISTER TO VOTE BY
APRIL 9
REGISTER TO VOTE AND MORE AT
ACTION.INDIANAEC.ORG
FEBRUARY 2018
25
calendar NORTHWEST
2
THE OLD GOLDS, Delphi (Carroll), Delphi Opera House. The band hails from Lafayette and features Americana and country rock. 7:30 pm. Tickets, $10-$25. 765-564-4300. delphioperahouse.org
1718
WINTER ECOLOGY FAMILY OVERNIGHT, Chesterton (Porter), Dunes Learning Center. Discover the magic of winter with snowshoeing, a night hike, campfire, games, nature crafts and more. Registration $105 per person or $350 full cabin with four participants — includes meals. 219-395-9555. duneslearningcenter.org
23
HARPETH RISING, Delphi (Carroll), Delphi Opera House. Back by popular demand, the band presents three classically trained musicians playing folk, Newgrass, rock and classical music. 7:30 pm. Tickets, $25-$40. 765-5644300. delphioperahouse.org
CENTRAL
2
CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION, Kokomo (Howard). Kokomo First Church of the Nazarene. Enjoy a large variety of chocolate treats. 11 am - 2 pm. No admission charge. 765-453-7611. samaritancaregivers.org/events/ chocolate+celebration/2
1625
FORD 64TH ANNUAL INDIANAPOLIS BOAT SPORT AND TRAVEL SHOW, Indianapolis (Marion), Indiana State Fairgrounds. Over 700,000 square feet of the outdoors, indoors. Admission and parking charge. 877-892-1723. indysportsshow.com
17
MAPLE SYRUP PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Terre Haute (Vigo), Fowler Park. Annual pancake and sausage breakfast features fresh locally made syrup. 7 am - 1 pm. Amber Slaughterbeck, 812-462-3392.
SOUTHWEST
11
OLD POST BLUEGRASS JAM, Vincennes (Knox), Vincennes University Jefferson Student Union. An entire day of bluegrass music. 10 am - 5 pm. No admission charge. 800-886-0400. visitvincennes.org
17
BILL ENGVALL, Evansville (Vanderburgh), Victory Theatre. Grammynominated comedian performs. Two shows: 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets, $36-$56. 812-422-1515. victorytheatre.com
26
FEBRUARY 2018
25
JUSTIN ROBERTS AND THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS, Jasper (Dubois), Jasper Arts Center. Two-time Grammy nominee performs with his band. For tickets, call 812-482-3070 jasperarts.org.
NORTHEAST
3
SHIPSHEWANA PAJAMA SALE, Shipshewana (LaGrange), townwide. Enjoy the fun of shopping in your pajamas, just like shopping from home. No admission charge. 866-631-9675. shipshewana.com
10
DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE, Portland (Jay), Arts Place. See Indiana’s premier contemporary dance company. Tickets, $10-$20. 866-539-9911/260-726-4809. artsland.org/hall-mosertheatre-performanceseries/
24
45TH ANNUAL PANCAKE AND WHOLE HOG SAUSAGE EVENT, Peru (Miami), Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds. Sponsored by Miami County 4-H Council. 7 am - 7 pm. Tickets: Adults — $5 advance, $7 door. Kids (age 4-11) $3. Age 3 and under, free. 765-472-1921.
SOUTHEAST
3
GEOLOGY OF THE FALLS OF THE OHIO, Clarksville (Clark), Falls of the Ohio State Park. An overview of the geology of the Falls of the Ohio. 2-4 pm. Free with regular park admission. 812-280-9970.
3
FOOD AND GROWERS ASSOCIATION WINTER CONFERENCE, Batesville (Ripley), Batesville Intermediate School. Speakers and educational presentations. Open to the public. 9 am - 3 pm. Admission charge. 812-9343010. contact@foodandgrowers. org. foodandgrowers.org
1011
CHOCOLATE LOVER’S WEEKEND, Corydon (Harrison), Turtle Run Winery. Sample complimentary chocolates with wine. Noon - 6 pm. Also held Feb. 17-18. 812-952-2650.
This calendar is published as a service to readers and the communities electric cooperatives serve. Electric Consumer publishes events free of charge as space allows, giving preference to free community festival and events in and around areas served by subscribing REMCs/RECs. While Electric Consumer strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Electric Consumer advises using contact phone numbers or internet sites to check times and dates of events before making plans. To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at electricconsumer.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.
FEBRUARY 2018
27
outdoors
Raised in a barn
A barn owl emerges from its nest inside a pole barn in southern Indiana in this screen shot of an Indiana DNR YouTube video.
Indiana’s YouTube barn owls double up B Y JACK S PAU L D IN G
T
hey are at it again … more baby
two to three, so having three survive is
public interest in birds and raise aware-
owls! The Indiana barn owl pair —
normal, according to Allisyn Gillet, DNR
ness about efforts to support barn owls.
“reality TV” YouTube stars viewed
Division of Fish & Wildlife nongame bird
on a live nest cam — are putting on a second act of parenthood. They are raising
biologist.
DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program has been placing nest boxes for barn owls
“The survival of the chicks will depend on
since 1984. The nest boxes, like the one
food availability over the next few weeks,”
the webcam owls use, give owls a safe
Gillet said. “There must be enough prey
place to raise their young. More informa-
The existence of a bonus round of chicks
to feed both adults and chicks in order to
tion is at wildlife.IN.gov/3382.htm.
late last year is good news for barn owls
have a successful second nest.”
a second brood of chicks unusually late into the nesting season.
because they are an endangered species in Indiana. In 2015, only 10 barn owl nests were reported statewide. The mother owl laid the second clutch of eggs in late September, which is just within the standard barn owl breeding season from March to October. But this nesting season was the first time the pair laid eggs for the second time while being viewed on the nest cam. Five chicks hatched from the second clutch about a month later. On Dec. 5, Indiana Department of Natural Resources nongame bird biologists inspected the chicks while placing identification bands on their legs.
The pair successfully laid six eggs in
anytime at youtube.com/watch?v=dNc
March 2017, and raised and fledged the
5f0Ohmfw&feature=youtu.be.
six chicks in late spring.
animal species, including many rare and
DNR-built nest box inside a metal pole
endangered animals, supported by the
barn in southern Indiana every year
DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program. The di-
since 2009, the DNR noted on its You-
versity program depends on donations to
Tube channel.
the DNR Nongame Fund. You can donate
Barn owls have a distinct heart-shaped
For updates on Indiana’s nongame
brown feathers.
wildlife, subscribe to an email list at bit.
They were once common in the Midwest, living in hollow trees and wooden barns, and hunting for meadow voles in hayfields, idle grain fields, pastures and other grasslands. But many wooden barns are being torn down, and few modern farms offer the land a barn owl needs for hunting.
28
FEBRUARY 2018
at EndangeredWildlife.IN.gov.
face, dark eyes and white to golden-
much smaller. The healthy chicks will age number of chicks fledged per nest is
The barn owl is one of more than 750
A barn owl pair has been living in the
Three chicks were healthy, but two were likely survive until fledging. The aver-
The barn owl webcam can be viewed
The goal of the webcam is to promote
ly/2j9hY0O. JACK SPAULDING is a state outdoors writer and a consumer of RushShelby Energy living along the Flatrock River in Moscow. Readers with questions or comments can write to him in care of Electric Consumer or email jackspaulding@hughes. net.
safety
SAFETY VS. CONVENIENCE
W
ith the hustle and bustle of
combustibles. Keep them at least 3 feet
use, always unplug and safely store the
the holidays ending, we’ll
away from anything that could possibly
heater.
do just about anything to
burn, like curtains, beds or a rug. In
make things easier on ourselves. The
accordance with fire safety, install smoke
convenience of electric space heaters
alarms on every floor of your home and
are great, but don’t forget about all of
outside all sleeping areas. Already have
the safety precautions you may have
smoke alarms? Great! Be sure to test
overlooked.
them once a month to be sure they’re
“Heating equipment is the second
working properly.
leading cause of home fires in the United
Remember, an electric space heater
States,” said Tom VanParis, CEO of
is a temporary option when looking
Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We want
for supplemental heat. Many
to remind members that safety should
homeowners may use this
always be a top consideration when
option to heat specific rooms
using electric space heaters.”
while they sleep, but this
When bringing your electric space heater out for the winter, here are a few quick reminders that could ensure those in your home stay safe:
unattended, it
Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
could overheat
or plug any other devices into the same outlet. That could start a fire. While there is no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning with an electric space heater, it holds many other safety hazards if not used properly. One mistake homeowners make when using space heaters is placing them near
hazards.
off your electric If you leave it
outlet. Never use an extension cord
significant fire and electric shock
is important to turn
by a testing laboratory, such as
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall
family have a better chance of avoiding
or going to sleep, it
space heater.
each use.
By following these tips, you and your
you’re leaving a room
label showing that it is recognized
plugs or loose connections before
your home with an electric space heater.
is unsafe. Whenever
• Check that your space heater has a
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken
Don’t let your guard down if you heat
or fall. As well, a child could play too close to it and get hurt. Place space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may be tripping hazards. And when not in
F E B R U A R Y 2 018
29
backyard
consider a gift of potted flowers by B. Rosie Lerner
cooler at night, if possible. Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil begins
N
othing conveys your warm Valentine’s Day feelings like cut flowers, particularly roses.
But their elegant beauty fades fast. So if you’re looking for something that will last a little longer — like your love — there are several potted plants that fit the bill.
to feel dry to the touch. An azalea in bloom is sure to drive away the winter blahs. Plants are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, salmon, crimson, magenta, orange and even bi-colored forms. Potted florist’s azaleas usually bear large blossoms,
Cyclamen is made for the occasion with
up to 3 inches across. Although flo-
its heart-shaped leaves adorned by deli-
rist’s azaleas are not hardy outdoors in
cate flowers of white, or shades of pink,
Indiana, they can be placed outdoors in
red or lavender. The flowers have a strik-
summer. Water thoroughly when the top
ing form, likened to butterflies, birds in
of the soil is just beginning to dry. Place-
flight and even falling stars, depending
ment in a sunny east or west window is
on who is doing the looking. And if the
ideal for indoors, and like cyclamen, cool
plants weren’t already attractive enough,
temperatures are a must.
the leaves are finely detailed with silvery or light green markings.
Calceolaria, also known as pocketbook plant, bears unusual, pouch-like flowers
Cyclamen are most often stocked in
that inspire its common name. Flower
large, showy sizes, but miniature cycla-
color ranges from red to maroon and
men are also available. Look under the
from bronze to yellow, and the texture
leaves and choose plants with the largest
appears soft and rich, like velvet.
numbers of flower buds. To enjoy their beauty well into spring, provide cyclamen with bright light and cool temperatures – about 65 degrees F during the day and even
Plants don’t have to be flowering to be a good valentine messenger. “String of hearts,” or Ceropegia, is a trailing vine plant that, as you might guess from its name, has heart-shaped leaves borne on long, thread-like stems. The thick succulent leaves are dark green with whitish veins for contrast. A sunny window is best for Ceropegia, but it will tolerate lower light intensity. Allow the top soil to dry slightly between waterings. Whatever your choice, make sure the sales clerk wraps your plant for protection from the cold. Keep the car warm, and make the florist your last stop before going home. CYCLAM EN PHO TO BY I STO CK/ G ETTY I M AG ES PLUS
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FEBRUARY 2018
Q:
How do you get Christmas cactus to bloom? Oscar Seewer, Floyd Knobs, Indiana
A:
A little extra care will help bring your Christmas cactus back to full bloom next year. Although a Christmas cactus can adapt to low light, it will produce more abundant blooms if you know how to manipulate the light they receive. For now, keep your plants in a sunny, indoor location away from drafts, heat vents, fireplaces, and other sources of hot air. Water them thoroughly when the top half of the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. You can move Christmas cactus plants outdoors in summer, but keep them in shady or semi-shady locations. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves. When it’s time to bring the plants back inside in the fall, help the plants slowly adjust to life Indoors by gradually increasing the number of hours they spend indoors each day. Christmas cactus plants bloom when you give them long, uninterrupted dark periods. Begin the dark treatments about mid-October to have plants in full bloom by the holidays. Christmas cactus plants will also bloom if they are subjected to cool temperatures of about 50-55 F at night. Start these cool treatments by early November to have plants ready for the holidays. For more information about caring for and reblooming holiday cactus, visit www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/ yardandgarden/christmas-cactus-faqs B. ROSIE LERNER is the Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist and is a consumer of Tipmont REMC. Questions about gardening issues may be sent to “Ask Rosie,” Electric Consumer, P.O. Box 24517, Indianapolis, IN 46224; or use our “Talk to Us” form online at ElectricConsumer.org.
PHO TO BY I STO CK/ G ETTY I M AG ES PLUS
For your Valentine ...
Ask Rosie
product recalls
Ceiling fans may be hazardous Two ceiling fan makers have issued recalls because parts of their fans can drop off, posing hazards. Hunter has recalled “Contempo” ceiling fans, models 59176 and 59174. The installation instructions incorrectly tell consumers how to install the light globe. Consumers should check to ensure that the light globe is installed correctly by turning it clockwise until it stops and is resting firmly in place. The fans were sold at Costco stores nationwide and online from January 2016-August 2017 for about $130. The other recall is for Monte Carlo “Cyclone” fans. The brackets connecting the fan’s five rotating blades to the fixture can break. The fans are finished in Roman Bronze, model number 5CY60RB, or white, 5CY60WH, and sold at lighting stores nationwide from January 2016-September 2017 for $500-$550. For the Hunter fan, call 866-326-2003; or go to www.hunterfan.com. For the Monte Carlo, call 888-475-1136; or go to www.montecarlofans.com. As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, here are some recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Visit www.cpsc.gov/en/recalls for full details of these recalls and for notices of many more.
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other recalls of note:
Camo pj sets fail to meet flammability standards Certain sets of children’s animal-camo sleepwear sold exclusively at Bass Pro Shops have been recalled by Wohali Outdoors for failing to meet flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children. The 100 percent polyester sets include a matching printed long-sleeve shirt and pants and a coordinating solid color robe with matching printed lapels and cuffs. The sets include a “BASS PRO SHOPS” label. The sets were sold from October 2016-August 2017 for about $25. No incidents or injuries have been reported, but consumers should stop using the sets and contact Wohali for a full refund in the form of a Bass Pro gift card. Styles include pink “Deer Camo,” brown “Deer Camo,” “Pretty Pony,” “Woodland Critters,” “Holiday Critters,” “Holiday Moose,” “Wolf,” and “Bear.”
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Call Wohali at 833-282-0442 or email cs@wohalioutdoors.com.
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Honda black flags generator for carburetor problem Honda has recalled portable generators because the carburetors can leak gasoline, posing fire and burn hazards. This recall involves certain ranges of serial numbers of EB2800i and EG2800i models sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers and Home Depot stores nationwide from September 2016-November 2017 for about $1,150. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled generators and contact a local authorized Honda Power Equipment service dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.
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Call 888-888-3139 or go to powerequipment.honda.com.
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Fiber optic Christmas trees a fire hazard Melville Direct has recalled two Bits and Pieces Fiber Optic Christmas Trees. The AC power adapter can overheat, posing a fire hazard. The branches have fiber optic light strands that change color. The 18-inch tall tree item number is 43560; the 31-inch tall tree item number is 43559. The item numbers can be found on the UPC barcode label on the box. The trees were sold by Bits and Pieces mail order catalog and online from October-December 2017 for about $50. Call 866-503-6395 or go to www.bitsandpieces.com.
FEBRUARY 2018
31
Hoosier Energy news
Winter waterfowl hunting dates set for Turtle Creek Reservoir Winter is here and the hunting schedule
The 1,550-acre reservoir serves as the
has been set for Turtle Creek Reservoir
source of water for Hoosier Energy’s
located in Sullivan County.
Merom Generating Station.
Preference for sites will be given to
The reservoir is owned by Hoosier Energy
parties of two and three with remaining
and is open for use by the public.
blinds available for individual hunters.
Prior to using the facility, please review the
Turtle Creek Reservoir will be closed for fishing during waterfowl hunting periods that coincide with dates set by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Hunting is scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. The reservoir will reopen for fishing at 6 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12. Fishing will then be allowed for the entire reservoir.
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FEBRUARY 2018
rules and time of use posted at the guard shack.
M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N To view the hunting regulations and 20172018 calendar, visit HoosierEnergy.com/ initiatives.
reader submissions
Mary Blair, a Harrison REMC consumer from Corydon, introduces us to “Looney Cooney.” He was born along with two siblings high in a pignut hickory tree in the family’s backyard. Looney was the runt of the litter, and the siblings soon left him behind. In the daytime, Blair said they would find him sleeping in his favorite safe spot, inside the aligned holes of two concrete blocks.
Creature
feature
A walk in the woods at any time of year always feels more rewarding when we’re able to capture a glimpse of wildlife in their own habitat. Readers shared images of woodland creatures both large and tiny this month. Don’t forget: For May, we hope you’ll share favorite photos from the Indianapolis 500 by Feb. 19. (Please see the bottom of page 3 for details.)
Patricia Daugherty didn’t spot this spider, above, right at her shoulder level on a trail at McCormick Creek State Park. But her husband did, and they came away with this photo instead of a scare! On a visit to Turkey Run State Park, the Daughertys, Daviess-Martin County REMC consumers from Loogootee, also spotted this little bugger, below, gazing at them as they headed down toward the steps of a suspension bridge.
Tipmont REMC consumer Bob Shockey was investigating a repeated “honking” animal noise his wife, Diane, was hearing and found this fawn partially submerged and shivering in the creek that borders their property. “Since the bank there is almost 5 feet high, steep and muddy, I knew the fawn couldn’t get out,” he wrote. He put on elbow-length rubber gloves (to try to keep from transferring his human scent), donned his creek boots, picked the docile fawn up and carried her to an open grassy plateau near where he thought she slid in. He said after snapping the photo, he found her gone about two hours later ... “hopefully reunited with the herd.”
FEBRUARY 2018
33
Justin Vining profile
Life’s journey takes artist back to his roots
Vining approaches his art with zeal and
ceremony no less. Last summer, he
passion — as well as a keen business
completed a 20-by-40-foot mural which
sense. A plein air painter at heart who
is on display at Clowes Memorial Hall at
enjoys rendering landscapes of Indiana’s
Butler University. “I chase down opportu-
heartland, he noted “I do what I want
nities. I’m a little proactive,” he admitted.
illowy trees with their
W
artistically. I’m fortunate that people
Those opportunities not only bring him
branches blowing in the
want it.
renown; they challenge and excite him.
breeze are a common theme
“I look at my career as a long-term in-
Opportunities like these lead ultimate-
running through artist Justin Vining’s
vestment,” the 36-year-old said. “I want
ly to sales. Currently, Vining has been
work. A windswept tree even appears in
to build it slow and steady.”
prolifically painting, from 6 a.m. each
his logo (above).
Along the way, his work has been show-
In a way, it mimics the unpredictable
cased in some high profile venues which
twists and turns and forays back to his
have given him what he calls “notches in
roots that his life has swayed.
his credibility belt.”
Vining grew up on a farm in Kosciusko
Several of his paintings have been
REMC country in the tiny northern Indi-
featured in the HGTV home renovation
ana town of Etna Green. He then pursued
program, “Good Bones.” His artwork has
an art education degree from Purdue
been on display at former
University and taught art classes for three
WNBA player Tamika
years at Maple Ridge Elementary School
Catchings’ Indianapolis
in Pendleton, Indiana.
restaurant, Tea’s Me
He left art education to pursue a law
Cafe, and his friendship
degree at Valparaiso University. To
with Catchings led to
help finance his education, he painted
him being the first artist
brightly hued landscapes and sold his
to paint at Bankers Life
works while in law school. By the time he
Fieldhouse, during
graduated, he’d sold over 400 paintings
Catchings’ jersey
and discovered that, yes, it was possible
retirement
to pay the bills while working in front of a canvas instead of in a courtroom. Though he is a licensed attorney, for the past seven years Vining has made a living as a full-time artist. He couldn’t be happier.
TO SEE VININGS’ WORK: • Solo exhibition: March 2, 6-10 p.m. Harrison Center for the Arts, Main Gallery 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis (If you go, tell Justin you read about the exhibition in Electric Consumer.) • Online at JustinVining.com/portfolio/
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FEBRUARY 2018
day until midnight, for a March 2 solo exhibit at the Harrison Center for the Arts in downtown Indianapolis. Vining’s studio is located in the center as well. His work has also twice been featured in the annual Hoosier Salon exhibition. Vining addressed the winners of the 2018 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest during a reception and exhibition at the Indiana State Museum last summer. A proponent of art education, Vining said, “Art teachers should cultivate a generation of art appreciators. A stronger art community is good for everyone.”
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Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions. by David Waxman Seattle Washington:
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THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.